Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has revealed that double World Champion Fernando Alonso is “fully motivated” for the forthcoming season and is already “pushing people” to perform at their very best, with the Spaniard having completed a two-day tyre test at Jerez, Spain.
Alonso took part in the test using Aston Martin’s 2022 car, which he drove at the post-season test at the end of last season, where he quickly swapped his Alpine race suit for a neutral racing green one.
“We’ve got Fernando down in Jerez,” Krack said on Aston Martin’s YouTube channel.
“He’s very inspirational, what he gives to the team. He’s fully motivated. He’s in touch all the time, he’s pushing people. So far, it’s just a great benefit for all of us.”
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Alonso’s appearance at the Pirelli test was actually his first time driving for the Silverstone-based team as an official Aston Martin driver, given that he was still contracted to Alpine when he completed the post-season test for his new team.
The 41-year-old was pleased to share that he’s “officially” a member of the British team, and how he “can’t wait for Bahrain”.
“We had an amazing day back in the car. Finally, officially I’m an Aston Martin driver,” Alonso happily said.
“I really enjoyed the day. We put in some laps, good training as well. Now I can’t wait for Bahrain, the new car.”
His move from Alpine to Aston Martin is one that raised eyebrows, given that the Enstone-based team claimed fourth in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship, whilst his new team finished seventh.
What seems to have caught Alonso’s eye, though, is the journey that Aston Martin are embarking on, with owner Lawrence Stroll having put everything in place for the team to eventually challenge for podiums and victories.
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“Aston Martin F1 is taking the necessary steps to win in the near future,” said Alonso.
“The team is determined to become a championship contender and will do whatever it takes to get there. This ambition is appealing to any racing driver. You see all the investment, the new factory, the talent joining the team, and you want to be part of it.
“And then there is the name, Aston Martin. It is, and always will be, an iconic brand in motorsport and the automotive industry. To write the next chapter in the brand’s history and become part of the Aston Martin family makes me very proud.”